This is an attempt to revive some of our old classic brevet routes. In recent years we have resorted to 600k "clover leave" rides (Overnight stop at the start/finish location. While this is logistically easier to handle for riders and organizers, some of traditional the old randonneuring aspirations of longer loops with an overnight stop somewhere else get lost that way.
Day1: 234 miles. Controls are in Lonsdale (mile 28), Faribault (mile 48), Zumbrota (mile 85), Plainview (mile 128), Rushford (mile 173), via Root River Trail and Happel Hill to La Crescent (mile 204), to our overnight sleep stop at the Super 8 in Winona (mile 234). We have already booked rooms, there will be some food when you arrive and when you'll leave in the morning (There is also a 24/7 Kwik Trip across the street)
Day 2: 140 miles. Controls are in Plainview (mile 271), Red Wing (mile 322), via the Cannon Valley Rail to Cannon Falls (mile 344), back to Apple Valley.
The Cannon Valley Trail is a paved bike trail that requires a Daily Wheel Pass for $7. You can purchase this pass at the trailhead in Red Wing, or you can purchase it in advance on their website:
Daily Wheel Pass - Cannon Valley Trail. If you purchase in advance, your email receipt will serve as your Daily Wheel Pass – please be prepared to show it to Trail Attendants.
There will be a few noteworthy climbs during the second half of Day 1. Some of you may recognize Happel Hill (you know when hills have a name ....), or the climb out of La Crescent. A couple more climbs on Day 2 before you can climb out gradually with a one or two percent incline on the Cannon Valley Trail towards Cannon Falls. By that time, you already can smell the finish line.
We will be providing drop bag support. We currently have booked a few rooms at the Super 8 in Winona. We will offer some hot food (most likely Chinese, and/or sandwiches - Jimmy Johns or Subway, just let me know in advance). Also a simple breakfast option (milk and cereals) as most of you will likely leave before the hotel offers breakfast. Due to hotel costs, drop bag support and food, we estimate the registration fee between $125 and $150.
